15. Marking Criteria

Assessment Marking Criteria

These guidelines cover the criteria for the assessment of taught modules through examination, as well as extended written work. The criteria build upon and supplement the Queen Mary Assessment Handbook, which is available Assessment Handbook 2024-25

These criteria also take into account the Master’s Degree Characteristics Statement (February 2020), which was issued by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and describes the distinctive features of master’s degrees in the UK. The Statement is available at Characteristics Statement (QAA Standards)

The marking criteria below are designed to apply to all forms of assessment, as appropriate.

Assessments are evaluated on six areas:

  • the accuracy and relevance of the submission;
  • evidence of independent or original analysis;
  • the quality of the logic and analysis of the submission;
  • the use and scope of relevant sources;
  • the organisation and structure of the submission;
  • accurate, appropriate and consistent referencing and citation of sources; and
  • the English language level of the written text.

Updated 17/09/2024

The following is broken down into the levels of award that can be achieved under:

  • Distinction (70 and above)
  • Merit (60-69), Pass (50-59)
  • Fail (0-49).